Ways Our Bay Area Law Firm Can Help

Whatever your legal problem or issue, Hartnett, Smith & Paetkau can guide you along the path to resolving it while keeping an eye toward protection of your rights and interests at all times. Our highly regarded Bay Area law firm can make the judicial process a little easier and ensure that you have someone with the knowledge, skills, and dedication needed to secure a positive outcome for you whenever possible. Because of our extensive experience, our civil litigation and criminal defense team knows how to examine the facts of your unique case and how to strategize and mount the strongest case possible for you.

Litigation

Litigation is a general term for the process of bringing a legal action in a court of law. It refers to more than courtroom proceedings, which are only a small part of the litigation process. Litigation entails trial practice, as well as a number of pre-trial steps and procedures such as discovery. During discovery, the parties' depositions may be taken. Depositions consist of questions being asked by opposing counsel and answers being given by parties before a court reporter.

Should the parties be unable to agree or settle during the pre-trial phase, then the attorneys representing the parties take the case to trial. Trial attorneys work hard to settle cases rather than take them to court. Often pressure can be exerted to settle because damages that may be awarded after a trial can be far more than the amount agreed upon in a settlement.

Settlement

The vast majority of personal injury cases are settled without the need for a trial. Settlement can occur at any time during litigation process or before the start of any lawsuit. In a settlement, the two parties enter into an agreement that details their agreement and also ends the dispute between them. Settlement avoids the lengthy time needed to prepare for and engage in a trial, and settlement can be much more cost-effective for the parties.

Bay Area attorneys handle a wide variety of legal issues

Are you seeking Bay Area attorneys? The firm of Hartnett, Smith & Paetkau is available and waiting to listen to your story and help resolve your legal issues. We handle all aspects of civil and criminal trial law and we are known as staunch advocates for our clients. Contact us today.